In its latest Quarterly Economic Survey, the BCC said that the economy grew in the fourth quarter of 2010 but this was at a slower pace than the previous three month period. Based on 5,600 responses from businesses across the UK, the research also found that the manufacturing sector remains strong and has expanded its workforce over the quarter. However, the organisation warned that the services sector's weaknesses are worrying and could have adverse employment consequences. Commenting on the results, David Frost, director general of the BCC, said that companies in the UK have been hit by some "of the toughest years in recent memory". "Faced with public sector cuts and cost pressures, ensuring the health of UK businesses is critical to a sustained economic recovery," he added. In his new year message, Frost also warned that strong businesses will be key to developing the UK's economy.